Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, November 26th, 2025:
LIFE AS AN ADAM SANDLER TEMP
I have a soft spot for Adam Sandler. Even when I don't love the project he's appearing in, there is something about his commitment to even the flimsiest premise that I find endearing. And like Kevin James, while his persona isn't for everyone, there is a work ethic and willingness to embrace being a buffoon if necessary that I appreciate. But Sandler is also capable of being quite a nuanced actor if given the opportunity.
Sandler's newest project is the George Clooney film Jay Kelly, which premieres on Netflix this Wednesday after spending two weeks in a limited number of theaters. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the movie follows famous movie actor, Jay Kelly (George Clooney), as he embarks on a journey of self discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).
Which seems like a good time to pass along an excerpt from the Jon Hart book Unfortunately, I Was Available, which recounts his career of mostly entertainment industry gig jobs, ranging from being a roadie for The Pretty Things to being an extra on a number of television shows and movies, including a five-day stint on an Adam Sandler movie:
Friday
I’m back in an Adam Sandler movie within an Adam Sandler movie. It’s pouring, and our holding tent is flooded. Wardrobe has been evacuated.
My excruciating shoes got soaked in the storm, so I sit and wait for them to dry. I probably could’ve hidden in holding for most of the day and slept. I mean, the bar is very low.
But I don’t hide. I want to be responsible, and it is my last day. I make my way to hair and makeup. They’re there—barely. They’re zombies, angry ones at that, and they don’t want to work, especially on background. We’re not worthy!
Just outside set, Boris, an older, diminutive Russian man, whom I’ve been kibitzing with over the course of the week, requests a selfie with Steve Buscemi. A few days earlier, Boris told me a horrendous stream of cuckold jokes as I struggled to remain conscious. “A husband walks in on his wife with another man . . ."
Was Boris trying to tell me something?
I’m not an ideal audience because, yes, I’m beat, and I’m just not a joke-joke dude. But I listened politely because Boris is my best friend on set.
Anyway, the Busc, as Sandman refers to him, was taking photos with kids, so Boris figured that he had the green light. Unfortunately, the Busc rebuffs him. “You know you could get fired for this,” he tells him. At first, I’m taken aback by the Busc’s refusal. Does he know that Boris has been reeling
off terrible cuckold jokes? Does he know how many indignities this man has suffered? No, of course not. Then again, I can understand the Busc’s stance. It must get old fielding photo requests from weirdo strangers all day. And, of course, Boris is a grown man. And once you take one, you feel obligated to take ’em all. Please reference the earlier Rock episode.
After the Busc brushes him off, Boris deadpans to him: “You get sent to the gulag in Russia for asking for a photo!” To his credit, the Busc relents and takes the pic with Boris. Bravo to the Busc. He’s a mensch.
Back on set, we’re working on the epic wedding evacuation scene—my description. It’s “The Four Stages of Your Wedding Is Burning Down”—my title. Our reactions must be gradual. We just can’t race out of the room at the first sign of danger.
When the chuppah collapses, we show concern.
When the pale of water tips over, we’re disturbed.
When we see actual flames, we’re alarmed.
And, finally, when the gifts and the curtains burn, we’re terrified, and we run for our lives!
With all due respect, it all seems very Meet the Parents.
But that’s just me. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being inspired by something. Personally, I pray for inspiration every day so I can escape Extra Land! Judging by the large number of firemen and special effects personnel on hand, you’d think we’re shooting The Towering Inferno. Of
course, you can never be safe enough. Dratch puts on an oxygen mask and poses for photos with the bridesmaids, who are principals, not BG. One of the bridesmaids almost runs into me in her mad scramble to get a pic with Dratch.
It’s late, and we’re all trying to keep ourselves amused or at least awake. Anyway, I’ve heard that Dratch doesn’t want to hear any reference whatsoever to her SNL Debbie Downer character. I can’t blame her. Who wants to be heckled by strangers, especially background?
We shoot the scene from all sorts of angles. After each take, the special effects crew resets everything, so there’s lots of waiting, and everyone’s yelling at background to shut up even though most of the chatter seems to be coming from the principals, the giddy bridesmaids in particular. Anyway, it’s all very adult daycare, which is fitting. After all, we are shooting an Adam Sandler movie.
Late in the evening, production does something that makes me extremely happy: they bring out seemingly bottomless plates of barbecue chicken. Within moments, though, my excitement turns to skepticism. It’s a trap—another cruel tease. Regardless, I take a shot and tentatively approach the outdoor feast. And to my surprise, I’m not swatted away. Shockingly, background is allowed to indulge.
I repeat: background is allowed to indulge. L’chaim! It’s Friday night, and perhaps everyone’s too exhausted to tell us to get lost. Regardless, it was superb. A note regarding cuisine: Sandman is really on top of his game when it comes to snacks. We’re talking Spielberg quality. During the Little League workdays, as far as ice cream, he made sure that no kid was left behind. And once, I overheard—not eavesdropped—him giving precise instructions regarding cookies. Man, I wish I got one of those Sandman cookies. Well, at least I got Sandman chicken.
At about 1:00 in the morning, I’m finally excused. Unfortunately, the extra caravan is packed to the gills, so with no other options, I’m granted a ride in a small bus reserved for crew. This vehicle is much more spry, and we make the trip in forty-five minutes. I made it to Friday. I did it. I’m done with this movie. Finito. No offense to Sandman, Rock, Dratch, Smigel, Boris, or Rerun, but good riddance! I don’t feel bad about saying this. In an interview, Sandman said he feels the exact same way when he wraps a movie. When you’re done, you’re done!
This is just part of the Sandler story from the book, but it should provide an ample reason why it's a book worth buying.
Jon Hart's book Unfortunately, I Was Available is available on Amazon and at other fine book retailers.
THIS IS SOMETHING I CERTAINLY HAVE STRUGGLED WITH AS WELL
Ava DuVernay wrote a thoughtful piece about the stories she tried to write, but couldn't. And this is an experience I know all too well:
Overall, I’ve learned a lot in the last couple of months. Especially about finishing. In a world this chaotic and wounded, an attempt itself carries its own integrity. Beginning becomes its own vow and its own defiance. Sometimes the incomplete essay is the truest one because it reflects the world as it actually is: in progress. There will always be another spectacle waiting to break the day open. There will always be another crisis screaming for ink. So, what do we do? I’ve resolved to just keep starting again. And again. Even when I can’t finish. Especially then.
THE ROLE OF CELEBRITIES AND THEIR BODY IMAGE
Chicago Tribune TV critic Nina Metz has been using her newsletter to explore some really unique takes on celebrity, the media and the role of the audience. Her most recent piece is entitled The State Of Hollywood Bodies and it's a deep dive into how the introduction of GLP-1 drugs has changed the way celebrities look at their bodies and the images they deliver in public:
On one hand, you have someone like Meghan Trainor, who launched her music career with a song boasting she’s “all about that bass (no treble)” — an anthem celebrating thicker bodies. Now that Trainor has lost weight, are we, the general public, meant to ignore her pivot?
For the bulk of their careers, Mindy Kaling and Amy Schumer had bodies like Trainor’s — pretty close to that of the average American woman. Even so, I’m sure they had various encounters in Hollywood that made them feel monstrous, which is perhaps why they often found ways to subvert that with a joke. Now their bodies look different — less “average American woman” and more “Hollywood stamp of approval.”
Last week, Schumer announced she was deleting all her pre-weight loss photos from social media. People make these kinds of choices all the time and Schumer was coy about why, so I don’t want to read too much into it. I don’t even particularly like her work! But still, I feel sad that anyone would feel compelled to erase a portion of their existence, whatever the reason.
And honestly, it's not just the weight issue. Celebrities embrace these makeovers that look great in the context of looking like a celebrity. But their visual perfection somehow makes them feel less interesting, less authentic. For instance, it's nearly impossible for me to see American Idol-era Katy Perry and not wish she had even one hair out of place. I really think that's part of the reason why her recent album release didn't do as well as expected. She's lost touch with the authenticity and vibe that helped make her music accessible for fans.
ODDS AND SODS
* Just a reminder that if you love big, dumb, entertaining action movies, Troll 2 premieres today on Netflix. In typical Netflix fashion, the streamer didn't respond to my requests for a screener, but I had previously interviewed one of the stars of the movie for another project. And their manager sent me a link to watch. But unfortunately, not until this holiday weekend. So I'll have a formal review up later today. In the meantime, here is a look at the trailer as well as some photos from the film.
* Speaking of tie-ins, there is a pop-up streaming radio station tied to Stranger Things that plays nothing but hits from the 80s, along with news on the hour and fake ads from Hawkins, Indiana.
* Apple TV just posted a two-hour The Family Plan 2 Yule Log Ambiance Video and unlike a lot of these efforts, it's one I'll likely watch more than once during the holidays. The premise is that it is security camera footage of The Morgan's living room and over the two hours a few people from the family wander in and out. As well as another appearance, which is tied into events in the film. Whomever produced this video was smart enough to remember that people want to hear holiday music. So the entire video features a nice piano-based instrumental background that is just lively enough to be solid background music.
* It's impossible not to read a story with the headline "I spent years on a journalism degree to tell you Homer's nipples have leaked in Fortnite"
* I Heart Radio has pulled an AI artist from the air and its chief programming officer has started an initiative called “guaranteed human.” He says this also applies to their podcasts.
TWEET OF THE DAY
WHAT'S COMING TODAY AND TOMORROW
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST:
* CoCoMelon Lane (Netflix)
* Love Is Blind: Italy Series Premiere (Netflix)
* The Wonderful World Of Disney: Holiday Spectacular (ABC)
* Troll 2 (Netflix)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND:
* CMA Country Christmas (ABC)
* Fixer To Fabulous Season Premiere (HGTV)
* Kimora: Back In The Fab Lane! Series Premiere (E!)
*Matt Rife: Unwrapped — A Christmas Crowd Work Special (Netflix)
* Vanderpump Rules Season Premiere (Bravo)
SEE YOU EARLY TUESDAY MORNING!